History of Varennes, Québec, Canada

1681 - Parish of Varennes opened

Le Programme de recherche en démographie historique - Univeriste de Montreal

1692 - Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Varennes established at Varennes

www.gcatholic.org

1828 - Accidents by Lightning
During the thunder storm on Friday evening, last, the electric fluid alighted on the house of an inhabitant named Girrard, in the Parish of Varennes, and entering by the chimney, struck one of his sons, and prostrated him on the ground. He was insensible for about two hours afterwards, but is now recovering. A dog was also struck by the lightning and killed. The chimney of the house was shattered and other damage done to it.

From the Canadian Courant Accidents by Lightning
Spectator
New York
August 15, 1828

1832 - VARENNES,
seigniory, in the co. of Vercheres, between Boucherville and Cap St Michel or La Trinite, is bounded in the rear by the augm. to Beloeil. - 28 arpents in front by one league in depth. Granted, 29th Oct., 1672, to Sieur de Varennes, and is at present the property of Paul Lussier, Esq. - The whole of this little grant is good and fertile land, nearly all in cultivation and pleasantly watered by two or three little streams. The church, belonging to this property, surpasses in beauty all those of the surrounding seigniories, and its exterior and interior decorations deserve notice: descending the river its three spires form a conspicuous object, which may be seen from Montreal, a distance of five leagues: a very good parsonage-house stands near it. There is also a neat chapel - It is watered by the St. Charles and other small streams. - Many of the houses of tenants are well built, and dispersed through every part; but nowhere in sufficient number to form a village. - All the lands are... Read MORE...

1873
VARENNES, a thriving post village in Vercheres co., Que., on the S. shore of the St. Lawrence, 18 miles below Montreal. Its beautiful situation and excellent mineral springs makes it a delightful summer resort. It contains a church, convent, college, several flour and saw mills, 6 or 7 stores, and a telegraph office. Pop. 501.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873

1888 - To Pray For Rain. Canadians Suffering From the Effects of a Drouth.
MONTREAL, Aug. 3 - The continual drouth in the country district has revived the project to have special services for rain in the county parishes. Varennes is going to seek the aid of the tableau of St. Anne, which is included among the miraculous relics in the chapel. About four years ago the people of Varennes sought the intervention of this miraculous tableau. The people of Vercheres, by permission, joined in the expense and ceremonial. The day came. It was clear, bright, sunny weather. There was not a cloud to be seen. All joined in the procession. The tableau was carried on the shoulders of several stalwart men, and the ceremony was most solemn, the hymns and chants being sung on the streets. It was about ten o'clock in the morning when the ceremony ended and the tableau had hardly been placed in the chapel when there came a few drops, then a shower, and finally the Vercheres people were unable to get home on account of a downpour of rain, which lasted until six o'clock that... Read MORE...

1890 - Varennes
Varennes. vil., Quebec, co. Vercheres, on R. St Lawrence, 18 m. E. of Montreal. P. of sub-dist. 1,789.
The Pocket Atlas and Gazetteer of the Dominion of Canada
John George Bartholomew John Murdoch Harper January 1, 1890 London : J. Walker

1897 - Serious brush fires are raging and doing much damage in the vicinity of St. Come, St. Julie and Varennes, Que.

The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
October 29, 1897

1903 - Escaped Inmate of Asylum Recognized
Son of Seigneur of Varennes Seen at Old Orchard.

Special to the Boston Journal.
Old Orchard, Me., Aug 10 - Aimie Lussier, son of the seigneur of Varennes, Province of Quebec, Canada, was recognized at the beach today by a college mate from Montreal. The young man escaped last week from the asylum at Longue Pointe, whither he had been sent about a year ago after having been adjudged insane on attempting the lives of his father, mother and sister. The Quebec authorities have been notified of his presence here.
Boston Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
August 14, 1903

1906
Varennes, a post-village of Vercheres co., Quebec, on the S. shore of the St. Lawrence River, 12 miles from Montreal, on the Quebec Southern R. Its beautiful situation and mineral springs make it a summer-resort. Pop. in 1901, 775.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1906 - Five Small Boys Drowned in Brook
Varennes, Que., Nov. 24. - While on their way to school yesterday five little boys attempted to cross a brook which had been covered with a thin sheet of ice, and all were drowned. Two of the boys were sons of Eustache Maleport, a tailor. The other boys' names were Racicot, Decelles and Bachand.
The Winnipeg Tribune
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
November 24, 1906

Varennes
Varennes, Québec, City, pop 20 950 (2006c), 19 653 (2001c), inc 1972. Varennes is located on the south shore of the St Lawrence River across from Montréal-Nord. Founded in 1672, it was named after René-Gaultier de Varennes, former owner of the Seigneurie de Varennes, who later became the governor of Trois-Rivières. The old village is well preserved and grouped around a large basilica dedicated to St Anne and is also the centre of devotion to Mother Marie-Marguerite D'YOUVILLE, canonized as a SAINT in 1990.

Canada's largest concentration of researchers in the field of ENERGY is concentrated in Varennes. The headquarters of the Québec Institute of Research on Electricity is located here as well as Université du Québec's Institute on Energy and Materials and the federal government's Energy Diversification Laboratory. Varennes is also the site of a large petrochemical and chemical industrial park which shelters over 10 large multinational industries.

Built along the St Lawrence, the ... Read MORE...

2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Varennes:
Vieux-Varennes (Old Varennes):

Start your exploration of Varennes in the historic heart of the town. Stroll through the quaint streets of Old Varennes, where you'll find well-preserved heritage buildings and a unique ambiance.

Maison Saint-Louis:

Visit this beautiful historical site, which was once the residence of the seigneurs of Varennes. It offers guided tours that provide insights into the town's history and its role in the development of Quebec.

Parc de la Commune:

Enjoy a leisurely walk or a picnic in Parc de la Commune, a lovely park along the Richelieu River. The park offers scenic views and is a perfect spot for relaxation.

Varennes Marina:

If you're a fan of boating or just want to admire the water, head to the Varennes Marina. It's a great place to watch boats go by and soak in the riverside atmosphere.

Parc Les Salines:

This park is known for its walking trails and birdwatching opportunities. It's a peaceful place to connect with nature and spot ... Read MORE...